He was born Feb. 16, 1955, in Montpelier, the son of Harold Glenn and Laura Mae (Savage) Nicholson.

He attended schools in Montpelier and graduated from Montpelier High School in 1973.

After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army.

He married Corine Atwood on June 19, 1993, at the Trinity United Methodist Church.

Doug owned and operated O.J. Country Store and Gas Station in Orange, and later he and Doug Roberts owned A.C.V. Adjustments. He also was an adjuster for Nationwide Insurance Co. Doug later worked at South Main Auto Body Shop in St. Johnsbury and went on to be the manager of the service department at Courtesy Toyota in Berlin. Most recently he worked as a rural mail carrier for the U.S. Postal Service, out of Montpelier.

He was a member of the National Rifle Association, SASS — Single Action Shooting Society — and was an avid NASCAR fan.

Doug was a devoted husband, father and grandfather, who always put his family first.

Survivors include his father, Glenn Nicholson, of Montpelier; his wife, Corine; sons Richard Nicholson and wife Cheryl, of Royersford, Pa., and Alexander Nicholson and his partner, Meredith Andrews, of Plainfield; daughters Betsy McHugh and fiancé Matthew Dall, of Colchester, and Molly McHugh, of Essex; his beloved grandchildren, Gabby McHugh, Ryan and Chase Nicholson; sisters Patricia Whitney and companion Basil, of Derby, and Marjory Magoon, of Barre Town; brothers Frederick Nicholson and his wife, Maryanne, of Rutland Town, and Steven Nicholson, of Shrewsbury; as well as many nieces and nephews; and his beloved dog, Biskit.

Doug was predeceased by his mother, Mae Nicholson, on April 27, 2012.

The Douglas Nicholson Memorial Fund has been established to benefit the family. Donations can be sent to North Country Federal Credit Union at 39 Lower Mountain View Drive, Colchester, VT 05446.

Calling hours will be Wednesday, March 19, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Guare & Sons Funeral Home, 30 School St., Montpelier.

A memorial service will be held Thursday, March 20, at 11 a.m. at the Masonic Center, Gallison Hill, Montpelier.